Chapter Thirty two
The Mountains of Asturias 4 BC
Tyrone moved with stealth along the cliff face until he reached the small cave that sheltered a few humans from the storm. This storm began raging twenty days ago.
He handed a cloth sack to Maurice McFadden who met him near the entrance.
"This is all I could find. There is nothing left to eat," said Tyrone wiping the water off his face.
He was feeling the exhaustion creep into his muscles. He was weak with hunger as well but he knew he could hold out where the others could not.
Maurice nodded and took the bag of assorted roots, old fruit and some soggy nuts to the back of the cave to feed the mortals they cared for.
They tore into the bag with ravenous hunger.
Maurice stopped them saying, "Share because this is all there until the storm ends!"
It got their attention and one man Jerome began to hand out the food in an orderly manner.
Tyrone stood a distance away and signaled to Maurice that he wanted to speak to him.
When he approached, Tyrone said, "I know this storm is the work of Ahriman. As long as we stay here like sheep and it will do as it wishes."
He looked at his oldest and dearest friend with the countenance of combat in his brown eyes. He declared, "I must go out there and defeat him and this time without a sword." Tyrone placed his sword into the hands of his friend.
Maurice shook his head no, "That's what it wants. What if another Immortal comes for you?"
Tyrone gripped Maurice's shoulders telling him, "You know what happened last time I used my sword, I nearly killed you!" He had to shout over the noise of thunder.
He released Maurice and instructed him, "I need you to stand guard over those who trust us. Stay by the entrance and keep watch for me as well."
He pointed to a small rise fifty yards ahead to a tree stood alone at the top. "I will be there." He said with finality.
Maurice was uncertain of this course of action. Speaking into Tyrone's ear he asked, "How will you fight a demon?"
Tyrone smiled looking at the rain outside. He replied, "With the only thing I have left to me, my heart and my soul."
Maurice nodded and understood now what his friend meant. At the entrance of the cave, he then embraced Tyrone and kissed his cheek. The rain mixed with his tears as he bid his friend good bye.
Tyrone made up his mind and he was ready to confront the demon. He crept his way down the rocky slope along the cliff slipping on the small pebbles but he regained his footing to continue. He labored with a persistence born of a leader.
He came to the rise and looked up at the sky. The rain lashed him with stinging drops but he knew he could not falter.
He climbed steadily and reached the top of the rise that overlooked a small valley. In reverence the tree he touched it gently praying, "Grant me your strength."
Then he sat down with his back against the trunk grateful for the branches keeping some rain from hitting him. From the earth under him and he could feel a power radiate into his very soul.
It washed over him like a blanket of comfort. He closed his eyes and began the chant that would summon the demon to him.
Watching those fifty yards distance Maurice was awe struck by the sight of Tyrone sitting there on the small hill under the tree. The rain lashed him and the lightning struck too close and singed his leg.
Ahriman was really putting on a show but nothing would move Tyrone. He stayed his ground with his eyes closed and hands together.
An hour passed. Two hours and still he sat. The storm rose and fell every few minutes and Maurice wondered if that indicated how the battle was going.
He held his sword in vigilance staying alert to run out and defend Tyrone if another immortal approached. He stood ready to protect those in the cave whose lives had so little time.
Five hours passed and Maurice was weak with hunger and worry. He looked at the sky and saw the clouds breaking up. Falling to his knees, he cried. "Where is your power now demon!"
The people came to the entrance hearing the rain stop and praised the miracle. Seeing where Tyrone sat, they talked in hushed whispers.
"He defeated the demon who kept us here." They said, "We must honor him."
Maurice left them there to celebrate the end of Ahriman's reign of terror. He made his way very carefully over the rocks to the hill and climbed up it to stand next to the tree.
Tyrone's eyes opened and looked at McFadden. The battle that had taken place still showed in the brown depths. His soul felt shaken beyond repair.
Maurice bent down to help him stand. He straightened out his legs by taking on the burden of his weight onto his back.
Maurice asked, "My friend how did you make Ahriman leave us?" holding him steady.
Tyrone shook his head, "I cannot speak of it now. Ask me in a hundred years perhaps." He replied smiling weakly.
Maurice nodded resisting the urge to question him further. Tyrone reached out and touched the tree saying, "Thank you wise one."
Guiding Tyrone off the hill as the sun came out in full force making steam rise off the ground around the two immortals. A rainbow appeared surrounding the small valley. It seemed a sign of blessing upon the Champion and his faithful friend.
A dove took to the air and Tyrone pointed at it saying, "Look Maurice peace is restored for another thousand years."
"What are the odds we will still be living when it returns?" Maurice asked him.
Tyrone felt a shiver run through him at the thought. In a whisper of dread he replied, "I hope I'm not alive to see that day again."
Maurice McFadden then agreed saying, "You must never fight that demon again but I would like a chance to destroy it."
"I am changed forever." Tyrone said as they walked away from all they once knew.
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